"I'm on track with where I'm supposed to be," Barron told the newspaper.

Barron, a first-round pick (No. 7 overall) of the Rams in 2012, arrived in the NFL as a safety but was converted to linebacker to take advantage of his playmaking skills.

There were questions of how Barron would adapt last season to playing inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. He initially was moved to outside linebacker in a 4-3 setup under previous defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

Despite lacking the bulk of a typical inside linebacker at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds, Barron registered a career-high 117 tackles and three interceptions while helping spark Los Angeles' improbable run to an NFC West title.

That despite playing the season with the shoulder and heel injuries.

"I was playing through injuries the whole year and still performed well, but it's always in the back of your mind: How would I be able to perform if I felt 100 percent, if I felt good,'" said Barron.

Pass-rushing end Robert Quinn and fellow linebacker Alec Ogletree are no longer with the club, leaving Barron surrounded by younger talent in linebackers Cory Littleton and Samson Ebukam.

"Once I get back out there and get in the huddle with these guys, whatever is needed, whether it's communication or whatever I need to do, is what I'll be doing," said Barron. "We're in a great position to make a Super Bowl run."